This action approves funding in the amount of $1,999,986 to the university of south alabama to support their efforts with improving the water quality of the gulf of america

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 awarded the University of South Alabama a Cooperative Agreement valued at $1,999,986 under the Geographic Programs - Gulf of America Program (CFDA 66.475) effective September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2028. The award supports the development and deployment of agricultural residue-based nutrient-capturing filters to reduce nutrient pollution in the Gulf of America watershed. Key deliverables include transformation of discarded agricultural residues into filters using novel spray adhesive technology, optimization of filter efficiency through laboratory-scale trials, validation of real-world applicability via field trials at farms, and establishment of methods for evaluating filter performance and identifying effective management practices. The project will engage at least 200 farming community members and provide educational experience to at least ten college students through annual workshops and digital dissemination platforms.

Sub-awardees support critical project components through specialized expertise and outreach activities. Partners for Environmental Pro (awarded February 2, 2026) provides outreach support, research outcome dissemination, and website development services. North Carolina State University and Wake Forest University (both awarded October 29, 2025) develop natural material-based adsorbent filter fabrics utilizing cellulose and chitosan biopolymers, optimizing treatment methods and evaluating nutrient removal capacity. This multi-institutional effort unites experts in engineering, materials science, and sustainable farming to deliver scalable solutions for widespread adoption of sustainable nutrient management practices across farming communities in the Gulf region.

The purpose of this award is to reduce nutrient pollution by developing and deploying agricultural residue-based filters, provide insights into nutrient transport, identify high-priority runoff areas for targeted interventions, help refine management practices, and support widespread adoption of sustainable nutrient management practices. Activities:the activities to be performed include transforming discarded agricultural residues into nutrient-capturing filters using a novel spray adhesive technology and other advanced methods, conducting detailed lab-scale trials to optimize the filter's efficiency in nutrient adsorption, and performing field trials at farms to validate real-world applicability. Also, findings will be distributed through workshops and digital platforms to encourage adoption by farming communities. This multi-institutional effort will unite experts in engineering, materials science, and sustainable farming, while ensuring practical and scalable solutions.subrecipient:the activities to be implemented through subawards include communications, organizing workshops, managing travel for rural networks, printing informational materials, and website design and maintenance. Other activities include field and lab testing, developing models and cellulose-chitosan filters, and analyzing data.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables and expected outcomes include establishing a method for evaluating filter performance, identifying the most effective management practices, conducting annual workshops for information sharing, and expanding communication through media. Other deliverables include engaging with at least 200 farming community members, providing experience to at least ten college students, building strong partnerships, synthesizing information gathered through the project, and enhancing farm resilience. The communities in and downstream of talladega county, alabama and richland county, wisconsin will benefit from improved water quality.